BRING CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT TO THE JAILS

The Santa Clara County Jail has an ineffective complaint and correctional officer discipline model.

Consequently, abuse of the incarcerated persists without an adequate measure of accountability.

THE SOLUTION:

The Santa Clara County jail system needs to implement a transparent civilian oversight mechanism that is empowered to investigate complaints lodged by inmates and family members, as well as determine appropriate discipline for offending officers.

August 27, 2015: Michael Tyree dies while in custody. Three correctional officers are arrested for his murder.

November 2015: Prison Law Office files lawsuit citing conditions and excessive use of force in the jails.

November 2015: Santa Clara County creates a Blue Ribbon Commission, composed of both county officials and community stakeholders. The aim of the commission to come up with policy recommendation to improve the jails.

March 2016: Blue Ribbon Commission holds final meeting, and submits final recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

August 26, 2016: Santa Clara County Finance and Government Committee Holds Special Meeting to Prioritize Jail Reform Recommendations.

September 7, 2016: Santa Clara County Finance and Government Committee Hears from Civilian Oversight Experts.

October 17, 2016: Hundreds of Santa Clara County inmates begin a hunger strike to protest solitary confinement and jail conditions.

October 23, 2016: Hunger strike is suspended by the inmates after achieving significant progress in their list of demands.

CAMPAIGN STATUS: Will COntinue into 2017

While tremendous strides were achieved by those detained -- and the community who supports them -- in highlighting the need for independent oversight of the Santa Clara County Jail, the county is still in the process of implementing a model. We will continue to advocate for a thorough, transparent, and effective oversight model in 2017 for the Santa Clara County jails.

Families who have loved ones housed in the Santa Clara County jails address the crowd at the De-Bug San Jose launch party.

HOW TO ASSIST THE CAMPAIGN:

Call or write your Board of Supervisor and ask that they approve an independent civilian oversight model for the jail.